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Words About the Word​~*~​Book Reviews

Caryl McAdoo opens Gone to Texas, a Christian historical novel, in Tennessee. The O’Neals, Worleys, Van Zandts, and Harrells, each face different crises that unite them around the goal of seeking their own farmland in Texas. As they embark on a journey along a trail fraught with various dangers, their ups and downs captivate the reader. From shyster land agents, to perilous river crossings, lurking wildlife, and overwhelming disappointments, these men and women take on life’s challenges, but also experience its joys, especially in the last chapters.

Told from different points of view, but beginning with the teenager Alicia, each character is true to life, even if flawed, not a goodie-two-shoe among them. Each one speaks in a genuine voice with no two dialects totally alike. Nor do they act or react in the same way to the same event since each character acts, thinks, and reacts appropriately for their age. The children are reckless, energetic, and completely unaware of lurking danger. The hormone driven teenagers are totally in their own heads and utterly oblivious to adult reasoning. The parents are caring, protective, and self-sacrificing, even if a bit flawed at times. Caryl McAdoo crafts characters that are absolutely believable.

All things considered, “Gone to Texas” by Caryl McAdoo leaves one feeling satisfied with a well-crafted, character driven novel that is accurate to the times. This reviewer heartily recommends “Gone to Texas” by Caryl McAdoo. It is well worth the time and money spent.